Homeowner guide
Call 811 before you dig (Colorado)
General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.
General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.
Fences, decks, trees, mailboxes — Colorado law says to request a utility locate first.
What the sources say
| Topic | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| It's the law | You are legally required to contact Colorado 811 at least three business days before you dig, no matter the project size. | Source page checked 2026-11-02 |
| Free | Request online at colorado811.org or call 811. Locating public underground lines is free. | Source page checked 2026-11-02 |
| Projects that count | Digging holes for fences, decks, swing sets or mailboxes, planting shrubs and trees, and removing tree roots. | Source page checked 2026-11-02 |
| Respect the marks | Lines are marked with paint and/or flags. Keep the marks visible. Dig with hand tools within 18 inches of a mark. | Source page checked 2026-11-02 |
| Private lines | 811 does not mark private lines, such as sprinkler lines, private gas lines or a BBQ line. You are responsible for having those marked by a private locating company. | Source page checked 2026-11-02 |
Checked 2026-11-02. General information, not legal advice. Rules change — confirm with the source. Report an error.